More than 200 wineries and cellar doors across Australia have been promised a $10m funding boost by the Albanese government weeks out from Christmas.
Venues from South Australia’s Barossa Valley to Western Australia’s Margaret River will share in the seventh round of the Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grants program.
Previous funding rounds have been used by wine and cider makers to improve venues, add extra staff, and to diversify their products and offerings to attract more visitors.
Announcing the recipients, Agriculture Minister Julie Collins said more than seven million tourists from Australia and overseas visited wineries across the country last year.
“They certainly make the most of their trips,” she said.
“The Australian wine industry, including grape growing, winemaking and wine tourism, is worth $51.3bn to the Australian economy.
“These grants help winemakers and cellar doors make the most of these opportunities and add value to their businesses.”
Ms Collins said there was “no better time” to offer a cash-injection to wine businesses with the holiday season fast approaching.
“I encourage Australians to make the most of the beautiful weather and holidays by supporting a local winemaker or cellar door,” she said.
Funding under the program is delivered through Wine Australia.
Applications first opened in 2019 under the then-Coalition government, but received earlier this year when Labor announced an additional $30m in funding for three more years.
Wine Australia estimates the industry supports more than 200,000 jobs, including through tourism.
Of the venues receiving funding, 104 were in South Australia – 22 in the Barossa Valley.
A further 45 were in Western Australia, 46 in Victoria, 37 in NSW, 14 in Tasmania, and one each in Queensland and the ACT.
